Gundy Owes Robinson an Apology

While watching Saturday's Cotton Bowl between Oklahoma State and Ole Miss, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the Cowboys, senior quarterback Zac Robinson in particular.

Even though 2009 wasn't Robinson's greatest year, statistically the worst since he's been a starter, and despite the fact that he's never been able to come through with a win in big games, I felt that Robinson deserved better.

In what way, you ask?

I won't beat around the bush, Robinson's play was horrible in his career finale, throwing four interceptions and turning the ball over two more times by way of the fumble, but the final play of the game was not one suiting of closing his career.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy owes his quarterback an apology.

Robinson has not been the same since receiving that blow towards the end of the Pokes' win over Texas Tech. Since then, he has not been able to produce. This was evident once again in Saturday's Cotton Bowl.

After how poor Robinson looked in the first half, Gundy should have made the decision to pull his quarterback in favor of backup Brandon Weeden no later than the third quarter. Granted this was the final game of Robinson's career, as a coach you have to realize that the win is more important.

Weeden had his tryout for the Cowboys' 2010 starting job when he helped OSU come from behind and beat Colorado on Senior Night in Stillwater. He performed admirably. He should have been given that opportunity again on Saturday.

Instead, Gundy leaves Robinson in, hoping he can work magic that has been absent the entire 2009 season. It didn't work.

But keeping Robinson in the game wasn't my reason for feeling Gundy should extend an apology. As much as I disagree with the decision, he's the head coach, not me. What made me feel for Robinson was the final series of the ball game.

Oklahoma State had called time out, down 14, with under 40 seconds left in the game in order to get the ball back one more time. Obviously, OSU wasn't going to win. Ole Miss punts the ball and three plays later Robinson completes what would be the final completion of his career.

Right there is where Gundy should have pulled Robinson out and replaced him with Weeden. Despite his poor performance, it would give Robinson, the school's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, a chance to come out to a standing ovation from the Cowboy-faithful who made the trek to Texas.

Instead, what happens?

OSU runs a Hail Mary that had no shot of scoring a touchdown, it's picked off, and that's the way Robinson's career ends: his fourth interception in his final career game. What do you earn in that play call? It does nothing to change the final outcome and the chance it's completed for a TD is one in one hundred.

Gundy owes Robinson an apology.